Destinations & Attractions in Cape Helderberg, in Cape Town

Cape Helderberg Destinations & Attractions

"Helderberg" means "clear mountain" and, when paying a visit to this exquisite part of the Western Cape, there is no confusion as to where it got its name. This is one of the world’s most significant wine-producing areas, and is home to the Stellenbosch Wine Route and the Helderberg Wine Route (part of the greater Stellenbosch route). As such, it is an extremely popular destination among international tourists and is, therefore, well equipped to handle large groups of visitors at any given time.

The Helderberg Mountains reach an impressive height of 1 137 metres, and offer fabulous hiking, walking, cycling and photographing opportunities. These magnificent mountains are awe-inspiring as they expose the sheer magnitude of Mother Nature's power.

Somerset West is part of the Helderberg region, and is a popular place to stay for those that want to experience Cape Town without staying in the heart of the activity. It is about 30 minutes’ drive from the City Bowl, but remains historical and charming. It is surrounded by exquisite views of mountains and ocean, and is home to a fair number of its own esteemed wine estates (including the awesome Vergelegen).

The Stellenbosch Wine Route is the oldest wine route in the country and comprises more than 200 official members. The Helderberg Wine Route falls under the Stellenbosch umbrella. The wine farms are made up of a variety of relatively obscure labels that have lovingly been produced by hand to global classics that are known for their fabulous varieties. Formal wine tours can be arranged, or visitors can simply follow the route and pop in wherever they please. Cellar tours and tastings are a must if you are to experience the full delight of the Winelands.

Due to the biodiversity and natural beauty of the area, it is no wonder that there are some spectacular reserves to be found here. The Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve covers 70 000 hectares and is home to about 1 300 plant species and a huge variety of faunal species, including leopard. The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve covers an impressive 100 000 hectares and boasts 77 plant species that occur within this reserve alone, and nowhere else on the planet.

There are a number of beaches situated along the Cape Helderberg coastline. These invite families and those that want to indulge in some warm South African sunshine to spend long, lazy days splashing about in the cold waters and warming up on the soft, white sands. These beaches include Gordon's Bay, Cool Bay, Strand and Bikini Beach.

Gordons Bay

Resting on the mountains of the Helderberg is the gorgeous Gordons Bay, mainly visited and highly praised for its waterfront. Activities include local fish shops, coffee bars and divine restaurants. Gordons Bay is enhanced by its ...

Lwandle

The informal settlement of Lwandle lies close to both Somerset West and Gordons Bay and people who live here are employed in the Helderberg Basin, largely within the building industry, although as many as 60% are still ...

Macassar

Lying on the wind-blown rugged coastal road that takes one from Cape Town to Somerset West the long way - along the coast - is the beach of Macassar, more or less across the road from the Helderberg suburb of Macassar on the Cape ...

Sir Lowrys Pass

Passing over Sir Lowrys Pass feels quite like a magical moment, especially when the pass is covered with mist and it's pouring down with rain. A drive through Somerset West and Gordons Bay will lead you up to the pass where once ...

Somerset West

During the 1800’s Somerset West was named after Lord Charles Henry Somerset, an English governor of the Cape Colony. Many of the residents that live in Somerset West travel a thirty minute drive to Cape Town every day and ...

Strand

Styled with new apartments much like those in Dubai, Strand is a vibrant town below the Hottentots Holland Mountains in between Gordons Bay and Macassar. The beachfront is gleaming with white sands and can get crowded as a result ...
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